Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) HAV-RNAdetection by PCR

DESCRIPTION – detection of HAV RNA before IgM anti-HAV seroconversion may be used as an early diagnosis method during hepatitis A outbreaks.

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 8 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – serum separator tube or lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection and transport 1 ml of serum or plasma to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: indefinitely

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens, citrate based anti-coagulants specimen

MRP – 4200.00

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory